As Johannesburg prepares for a transformative budget speech on Wednesday, finance MMC Margaret Arnolds finds herself at the centre of considerable anticipation and scrutiny. Political parties are voicing their hopes for the budget, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development and the revitalisation of the inner city. However, looming over the proceedings is a contentious issue: the R200 electricity surcharge imposed on prepaid customers, which many residents and political leaders hope to see abolished.
The budget speech, scheduled for midday, is expected to shed light on how the city plans to allocate its financial resources in the coming year. ActionSA chief whip Lebo Modukanene, representing a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC), shared his expectations, urging that residents should “buckle up” for what he believes will be a balanced budget. “I’m expecting a diversified funding model, not a budget whereby the bulk of the responsibility is placed on residents,” he said, highlighting the ongoing financial strain amid rising costs for services.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), which has consistently been critical of the city’s financial management, echoed similar sentiments. DA caucus leader Belinda Kaiser Echeozonjoku expressed her disillusionment with the forthcoming budget announcement, asserting, “Residents are still not getting services. So once again, it’s just a sham and another report for the residents of the city of Johannesburg.” Her party has long advocated for more transparent financial practices and better service delivery that meets the needs of the community.
As the clock ticks down to Arnolds’ address, political leaders, residents, and business stakeholders are keenly awaiting details of the proposed budget.